Rusty sub-frame/ Failing state safety inspection dilemma

[chevyJeff1]

im having a problem getting my 2000 Cavalier to pass Virginia state safety inspection due to rust in the sub-frame rails. I don't have any pics to post but let's just say it's more than surface rust. A couple of holes in fact is the problem. The dilemma is the car runs great and I don't want to junk it over this. Is it legal to repair a subframe by welding repair steel plates to the damaged subframe areas to regain rigidity? I'm no welder so sorry if this is a retarded question. The bad subframe areas are in the rear, tire area.

Thanks in advance for any help

 

[Mike N]

It's legal in NY to weld a frame, we see it/do it all the time. Not sure about VA inspection laws but I can't imagine them being any different than NY.

 

[seventy7camaro]

I would think that the DOT would make inspections uniform from state to state. However, just last week at work we were talking about this. One of our co-workers lives in W. Virginia and was told his car would not pass inspection due to a crack in his frame. BTW, it was also a Cavalier. He told them he'd be back after he had the crack welded up. The inspector told him he'd better take it to someone else who may not see the weld as it wasn't allowed in W. Virginia. He was told no welds of any kind ere allowed. whether it be to repair a crack, rust, connectors, or to install roll cages. That surprised us all. Nobody in our discussion had heard of that applied to a Virginia inspection although we all knew of guys who'd had it done. I've done it myself and didn't know.
My suggestion would be to ask an inspector, one that you have no plans of using, if it's allowed. If he says yes, get it inspected there. If he says no, call someone else. Even in the small town I live in there'll be someone who will inspect it. Good luck.

 

[Zspoiler]

You do what you can ,but there are times you just need put out to pastures and go on.

 

[Mike N]

I would think that the DOT would make inspections uniform from state to state. However, just last week at work we were talking about this. One of our co-workers lives in W. Virginia and was told his car would not pass inspection due to a crack in his frame. BTW, it was also a Cavalier. He told them he'd be back after he had the crack welded up. The inspector told him he'd better take it to someone else who may not see the weld as it wasn't allowed in W. Virginia. He was told no welds of any kind ere allowed. whether it be to repair a crack, rust, connectors, or to install roll cages. That surprised us all. Nobody in our discussion had heard of that applied to a Virginia inspection although we all knew of guys who'd had it done. I've done it myself and didn't know.
My suggestion would be to ask an inspector, one that you have no plans of using, if it's allowed. If he says yes, get it inspected there. If he says no, call someone else. Even in the small town I live in there'll be someone who will inspect it. Good luck.

It would be nice to have uniform inspections, but that isn't happening anytime soon. NY's inspection program is a joke if you ask me..... I can't fail a car for a loose ball joint, headlight aim or broken/inoperative side marker lights, but God forbid you don't have a gas cap, your check engine light is on...... or worse yet you have tinted windows.

Most states should have their inspection regulations posted online so anyone can see what passes and/or fails. I checked NY regulations and no where could I find a welded frame being an issue.

 

[Zspoiler]

Oh yes they can because they can. The outside condition of the can determine just how much they go into it as well. They have certain state and DOT regulation each car has to pass. To make sure a car is safe to drive .Or for Police officer safety .Like tinted windows .and anything darker than a factory tint.So you can see out and the Police can see in. I have taken a variety of driving courses Both military and civilian to get my Commercial drivers license.(CDL A) in other words regulars cars to tractor trailer.

 

[The Champ]

I would think that the DOT would make inspections uniform from state to state.

Each state has their own DOT - and I've never had to get any type of government inspection done on any of my cars except in Germany (and they were pretty strict over there).

I don't foresee every state incorporating a uniform inspection program any time soon.

 

[chevyJeff1]

I would think that the DOT would make inspections uniform from state to state. However, just last week at work we were talking about this. One of our co-workers lives in W. Virginia and was told his car would not pass inspection due to a crack in his frame. BTW, it was also a Cavalier. He told them he'd be back after he had the crack welded up. The inspector told him he'd better take it to someone else who may not see the weld as it wasn't allowed in W. Virginia. He was told no welds of any kind ere allowed. whether it be to repair a crack, rust, connectors, or to install roll cages. That surprised us all. Nobody in our discussion had heard of that applied to a Virginia inspection although we all knew of guys who'd had it done. I've done it myself and didn't know.
My suggestion would be to ask an inspector, one that you have no plans of using, if it's allowed. If he says yes, get it inspected there. If he says no, call someone else. Even in the small town I live in there'll be someone who will inspect it. Good luck.

This is kind of what I've heard for years. That repairing a sub-frame is not acceptable. So what about all the car accidents where the sub-frame is compromised from impact? I thought body shops repaired frames all the time? What I will do is call a inspection station that does welding work and simply ask if they can legally fix it.